Method of reinforcement for handles and the like



April 25, 1939'. w RUEHN 2,155,804

METHOD OF REINFORCEMENT FOR HANDLES AND THE LIKE Filed Feb. 26, 1957 l5 w W; M Ni /2 PI L' /0 /6 5 M /Z ATTORNEY5.

Patented Apr. 25, 1939 METHOD OF REINFORCEMENT FOR DLES AND' THE. LIKE Frederick W. Rubin, Indianapolis, Ind.

Application February 26, 1937, Serial .No. 127,901

2 Claims.

This invention pertains to a method of reinforcing handles, such as are commonly employed in connection with tools, which method also 'extends to reinforcement for similar structures, such as ladder rungs. In general, the invention is adapted for use in connection with articles turned from wood which, in use, are subjected to substantial strains and stresses.

It has been common practice for many years to form tool handles, ladder rungs and the like from a tough, resilient wood stock, such as hickory or ash, which, under the most favorable circumstances, deteriorates for the purpose required, principally due to expansion and contraction and variations in moisture content due to exposure to varying weather conditions. This causes loosening of the article in the socket of the tool into which it originally snugly fits. The stock must be carefully selected for texture and straight grain throughout its length, and great care exercised in the drying process soas not to unduly affect the tough and resilient quality of the wood. In addition to the above, woods of this character, such as hickory and ash, are becoming more and more scarce, so that the problem of supplying tool handles, ladder rungs and the like is presented.

It is the purpose of this invention to provide a reinforcing medium for such articles or struc-' tures as will enable species of wood of less favorable characteristics, but to be had in greater abundance, to be used. Thus, while the invention is designed to strengthen and reinforce the usual hickory and ash handles, rungs and the like, perhaps its principal advantage is in making available to the industry for this purpose woods of other species which are more readily obtainable and at lower costs.

It has heretofore been the practice in some instances to wrap a tool handle or the like with wire or metal reinforcement, but in all such instances, such wrapping consists of a continuous spiral coil, such that each convolution thereof is dependent upon the other and any out or break throughout the entire length of the spiral wrapping causes the weakening or loosening of the entire reinforcement.

The principal feature of this invention resides in providing closely related independent metal wrappings which are tied together but wherein each convolution is independent of the others so that breakage or weakening of one convolution will not affect or loosen the reinforcement as a whole. This is accomplished by wrapping the article with steel or metal wire in close- 1y associated spiral formation as heretofore, and thereupon applying a metal strip longitudinally of the article or handle and overlying the respective convolutions of the wrapping, which strip is welded or brazed thereto to provide a tie bar for each individual'iconvolution of the wrap-- ping and the entire wrapping as a whole. Such strip, which may be deemed a tie bar, is also useful for locking the'handle or article in position.

Other objects and features of the invention will be readily understood from the ac companying drawing and the following description and claims: v

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a hammer in which the invention is embodied, with parts thereof broken away and shown in section. Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the hammer. Fig. 3 is a modified structure illustrating the invention as applied to the rung of a ladder with parts thereof shown in section. Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the ladder showing the rung secured therein.

For purposes of illustrating the invention, it is shown as applied to the handle of a hammer in Figs. 1 and 2 and shown applied to the rung of a ladder in Figs. 3 and 4;

As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, there is shown a wooden hammler handle secured to the hamm'er head I! by extending into the socket 13 thereof. At that portion of the handle III which is subjected to the greatest strain and stress, the reinforcing is applied-,which is in the form of a spiral wrapping l4 ofg'wire, preferably steel wire. The convolutions thereof are closely associated so that the wrapping is tightly wound about the handle to completely-enclose the reinforced portion thereof. I,

Along one or bot sides of the reinforced wire wrapping l4 thereissecured a tie bar l5 which is preferably in theforni'of a steel strip engaging and spanning each of the convolutions of the wire wrapping l4. ThrOughjthe usual methods, the strip is welded or brazed to the individual convolutions of the wire wrapping so as to comprise an integral part thereof. Thus, the tie barnot only secures the wire wrapping in its closely wound position, but ties the adjacent portions of each convolution thereof together so that the wrapping, in effect, will consist of a plurality of individually connected rings corresponding to each convolution. By reason thereof, should the wire wrapping be broken or cut, which is quite likely to happen in the use of a tool, there is no weakening thereof since the cutting of one or more convolutions of the wrapping will not affect the x 7 2,165,804 others, which are secured independently thereof through the medium of the tie bar.

The tie bar is further useful in extending with the handle through the socket in the structure receiving it, such as a hammer head, and then being formed at right angles over the forward face thereof, as indicated at I6, for locking the handle securely in the socket against longitudinal movement.

In the application of the invention to another form of structure, as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the ladder rung H is secured at both ends in suitable sockets H3 provided in the stiles or side supports HZ of a ladder. In this construction, the rung H0 is bound by the 'wire'wrapping H4 as above described, which extends about the 'periphery of the rung from adjacent the inner: side i of one stile to the inner sideof the. other stile. The ends of the wrapping 'are'locked in the rung in any suitable manner, such as illustrated, Extending across the wrappings from one end of the rung to the other there is' atie bar H5 which is welded or brazed to the wire wrapping, as above described in respect to the-tool handle. Opposite endsof the tie bar extend with the rung through the stile to be'locked on the opposite side by the upturned portion H6.

While the invention is herein illustrated as applied to a tool handle or the rung of a ladder for descriptive purposes, it will be apparent that the invention may be applied to other structures of corresponding nature to serve the same purpose in the same manner. Furthermore, while its advantages and uses are particularly applicable to wooden articles, it is further applicable to articles formed of other materials.

The invention claimed is:

1. In an article of the character described, a reinforcing therefor comprising a metal wrapping rspirally wound about the periphery thereof to form a plurality of convolutions, and means for .rigidly and permanently connecting adjacent convolutions of said wrappings along a line extending transversely of substantially all of said convolutions.

2.- In an article of the character described, a reinforcing structure therefor comprising metallic wire spirally wound about the periphery there- 'of to provide a plurality of convolutions, and a metallic tie-bar rigidly and permanently connecting the adjacent convolutions of said wrapping along a line extending transversely of substantially all of said convolutions.

FREDERICK W. RUBIN. 

